Research Assistant 1

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Overview

The Research Assistant will primarily work as a Hepatitis C (HCV) Patient Navigator in an outreach or community based setting. The HCV Navigator will primarily work on the Community Health Care Van's grant funded program (COMPASS) for the testing, treatment, and cure of hepatitis C. The HCV Navigator will recruit, enroll, and consent participants who are at risk for HCV (people with a history of injection drug use). 

The HCV Navigator will be trained to conduct the HCV RNA point of care test using the Cepheid GeneXpert technology. The test involves using a lancet to perform a finger stick to collect a blood sample. The HCV navigator will perform rapid HIV testing concurrently. During the testing visit the HCV Navigator will conduct other standardized assessments as part of a syndemic screening tool, including a depression screening, a health related social needs assessment, and screening for substance use. The HCV Navigator will educate participants on HCV treatment and counsel patients about results. For participants with a positive HCV RNA result, the HCV Navigator will connect participants with a phlebotomist or lab for bloodwork, connect the participant to the CHCV medical provider for same day treatment, and assist with ordering HCV medications for treatment, and register new and existing patients into the electronic medical record.

The HCV Navigator will also provide adherence support, including directly observed therapy as needed. The HCV Navigator will also connect the client to mental health and substance use treatment services as needed, and provide case management support for other needs. The HCV Navigator may also conduct STI screening, pregnancy tests, and assessments for cirrhosis with participants. The HCV Navigator can be trained in phlebotomy if desired. 

The position will also provide overdose and infectious disease prevention education. Outreach and testing may be done on the mobile unit, the clinical storefront, or outreach partner settings. The HCV Navigator will contribute to other CHCV projects including community clean up of syringe litter, naloxone distribution, vending machine stocking, welcoming clients at the front desk, and organizing the Community Advisory Board.

The HCV Navigator will provide connection to peer and health supportive incentives. Creates collaborative case management plan and provides care coordination and navigation, including scheduling follow-up HCV and other medical and project visits, assists participants in attending wrap-around service visits. Assists clients with working towards identified health goals, such as PrEP initiation, treatment initiation, or continuation of medications for substance use disorders or mental illness, and wound care initiation and follow-up. 
 

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated experience in patient-facing community settings, particularly with vulnerable and at-risk populations.

2. Proven experience with Electronic Health Record, Microsoft Office Suite, and REDCap helpful.

3. Ability to maintain a non-judgmental approach with participants and create a helpful and welcoming environment. Proven experience with people served by Community Health Care Van: people with serious mental illness, homelessness, substance use disorder, people with HIV and/or hepatitis C.

4. Knowledge of local community. Must be willing to work in a mobile or outreach setting in New Haven and the surrounding areas.

5. Organized, self-motivated team player, with the ability and willingness to be hands-on and solve problems as they arise.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Proven experience in infectious disease and overdose prevention, outreach, and / or clinical case management. Trained in HIV/HCV testing and counseling and medical case management.

2. At least 3 years of experience in a health related program.

3. Bilingual (English and Spanish) is highly preferred.

4. Knowledge of medications for the treatment of HCV and substance use disorders.

5. Knowledge of grant funded programs and clinical research.

Principal Responsibilities

Required Education and Experience

Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

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Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.